Foot Friction Blisters: Foot blisters are usually due to friction from an activity like hiking and running. Usually the individual has new shoes, ill-footing shoes, just recently started the activity, or recently increased the amount of the activity.

Prevention: There are two general approaches to prevent friction blisters: toughening the skin and reducing friction force.

Complications: Local pain or secondary infection

Treatment: Painless or minimally painful small blisters can be treated with a piece of moleskin or tape that has a hole cut in the center. Larger or severely painful blisters generally need to be punctured with a sterile needle or pin to let all the blister fluid out. Then the blister can be covered with antibiotic ointment and a dressing.

Other Causes of Blisters on Feet and Hands

Burns - Chemical

Burns - Thermal

Frostbite (second degree)

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (viral rash from Coxsackie virus)

Impetigo: Staph bacteria can cause impetigo with blisters

Insect bites: In young children, insect bites (e.g., fleas) can cause small blisters

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For more information, click here.

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If

Severe pain or large blister and you want your doctor to drain the blister

Cause unknown and blister on one or more finger pads

Cause unknown and new blisters are developing

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns

Cause unknown and no new blisters

Parent Care at Home If

Normal blister from friction and you don't think your child needs to be seen

Normal blood blister from pinching injury to skin and you don't think your child needs to be seen

Prevention of foot blisters from hiking or running, questions about

Prevention of hand blisters from sports or tools, questions about

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For more information, click here.

Prevention of Foot Blisters

3. Prevention - General:

Shoes: Buy shoes that fit. Avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose. New hiking boots are often somewhat stiff. It is wise to first wear them around the house and on short walks before wearing them on a long hike.

Socks: Avoid cotton socks; they tend to retain moisture and stay damp. Instead use synthetic (acrylic) or wool socks. Some people prefer specially designed and padded 'sports' or 'hiking' socks. Other people prefer to wear two socks at a time, a thin inner liner ('wicking') sock and a thicker outer sock.

Lubricants: If your child frequently gets blisters at certain pressure points, youmay want to try using a lubricant, such as petroleum jelly. Cover the pressure point with a small amount of the lubricant before athletic activities to decrease the friction on the spot.

Callus: If blisters usually occur under a callus, file the callus down and lubricate it so it won't contribute to the friction.

Taping Pressure Points: If a lubricant doesn't prevent blisters, taping is the next step. Taping is a very effective way to treat hot spots or friction blisters. Many hikers and runners use taping. Follow the instructions listed down below.

Prevention - Taping:

OPTION 1 - MOLESKIN

Moleskin is available at your local pharmacy. It is an effective way to prevent friction blisters. Here are some instructions on how to use moleskin.

Using scissors, cut the moleskin to a shape slightly larger than the pressure point.

Remove the backing from the moleskin. Apply it to the pressure point. Smooth it from the center outward so that there are no wrinkles.

Put on a clean and dry sock.

OPTION 2 - TAPING WITH DUCT TAPE

Duct tape is available at your local hardware store. It is an effective way to prevent friction blisters. Many hikers and runners use it. Here are some instructions on how to use duct tape.

Using scissors, cut out a piece of duct tape into a shape slightly larger than the pressure point.

Apply the piece of duct tape to the pressure point. Smooth it from the center outward so that there are no wrinkles.

Put on a clean and dry sock.

Prevention - Toughening the Skin:

This mainly applies to walkers, hikers, and runners.

Slowly increasing the distance that you hike or run over days to weeks will increase the toughness of the skin. This will reduce the likelihood of blisters occurring.

Call Your Doctor If:

You have other questions or concerns

Prevention of Hand Blisters

4. Prevention:

Gloves: Wear heavy-duty work gloves when working with the hands and using such tools as shovels, picks, and rakes. Sports gloves can be used for rowing, paddling, weight lifting or cycling.

Lubricants: Reduce friction at pressure points by covering them with a lubricant such as petroleum jelly.

Call Your Doctor If:

You have other questions or concerns

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For more information, click here.